A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the pace and management of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The accident occurred on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route constructed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was created to provide an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate what caused this tragedy,” stated the national leader.
The leader reported that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president noted plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those involved.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the immediate past president, whose presidency ended the previous year. This venture was a hallmark of his administration's economic goals for the southern region.
Another ambitious rail project from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to revitalize the economic fortunes of a relatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both rail lines was overseen by the army, marking a dramatic growth of its duties in civilian projects. They were completed at an fast-tracked pace, beating forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently raised ongoing concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an previous collision this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen two non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the tragedy, the leader of a major opposition party urged an immediate pause in the development and management of all similar projects.
This stoppage was proposed pending a thorough independent investigation. The party emphasized that the tragedy "calls for immediate answers."
In reply, the president insisted that the train had been operating in complete compliance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the construction and running of these national undertakings.
